Have a happy new beer

A fantastic mood of community has percolated the entire population of our city and beyond

Boris Johnson

Revellers saw off the country’s greatest-ever sporting year with a knees-up to remember.

More than a quarter of a million people descended on the banks of the River Thames in London last night as the nation joined the world for the greatest show on earth.

It brought to an end a spectacular 12 months as the nation basked in the glory of Team GB at London 2012, Sir Bradley Wiggins’ Tour de France victory, Andy Murray’s US Open win and the memorable Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

A huge firework display lit up the night sky around the London Eye and the Shard marked the new year with a dazzling light show.

London Mayor Boris Johnson, 48, said: “From the Diamond Jubilee to that huge collection of Team GB medals, 2012 has quite literally glimmered with excitement and enthusiasm.

“A fantastic mood of community has percolated the entire population of our city and beyond.

“It’s been a wonderful year but, believe me, 2013 is going to be every bit as exciting.”

Firework displays were held in other major cities and about 80,000 revellers hit the streets of Edinburgh for